5 Ways to Make a Difference in the Lives of Others This Thanksgiving and Beyond

In the nonstop, lightning-fast busyness of life, it’s increasingly difficult to stop and just be, let alone be grateful. Of course, that’s precisely the idea behind Thanksgiving, but all too often, it seems we bring that same frenetic pace to the holiday and its preparations. From menu planning, shopping, and cooking to football, family chaos, and more, there’s never enough time to forget the chores and the to-do list and just relax.

For many, the challenges of poverty, food insecurity, and holding down multiple jobs to (barely) make ends meet mean there’s rarely any downtime. Coupled with the destruction caused by numerous recent natural disasters, more people than ever are facing a shortage of basic needs and recovery efforts that will stretch into the foreseeable future.

As Thanksgiving approaches and we take stock of our own blessings, one way we can demonstrate our gratitude is by supporting efforts that raise awareness around such issues as poverty, hunger, and fair wages, as well as organizations that provide goods and services for those in need.

Here are five such initiatives contributing to this sacred work and ways you can join their efforts:

Start important conversations: Repair the World’s Act Now Against Hunger campaign offers Jewishly framed discussion guides, activities, and more to encourage Thanksgiving-table conversations about food insecurity, hunger, and food waste, as well as actions to help alleviate them.

Contribute to wildfire recovery efforts: In the wake of the wildfires in northern California, there are numerous ways you can support ongoing recovery efforts:

As URJ Camp Newman assesses the physical damage to its facilities – and considers its future while supporting campers, families, staff, and community – the camp is accepting donations to its #NewmanStrong Relief Fund.